The High Court has declined to immediately bar political parties from holding meetings and activities at State House, saying the matter needs to be heard and decided on its merits.
The case was brought by lawyer Lempaa Suyianka, who named the Attorney General, the Controller of State House, President William Ruto, and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as respondents.
Suyianka argues that in recent months, State House and State Lodges have been used for partisan political activities, which he says may go against the Constitution and public finance laws.
In his petition, he lists several gatherings allegedly held at State House involving political leaders and party officials. These include engagements with leaders from Gusii, Kiambu, Ukambani, Murang’a, Narok, and Western Kenya.
He also references a UDA National Governing Council meeting chaired by President Ruto on January 26, 2026, and the party’s inaugural aspirants’ forum on February 4, 2026, which drew thousands of officials, aspirants, and supporters.
According to Suyianka, these were not official government meetings but political party events carried out using State resources, including security, staff, logistics, and media infrastructure.
“Executive authority is exercised in trust for the people of Kenya and must remain institutionally and financially distinct from partisan political activity,” the petition states. “While the President retains political rights, he may not use State institutions, public resources, or symbols of national unity for party purposes.”
The petition also claims there is no public evidence showing that UDA reimbursed the State for costs incurred or complied with relevant provisions of the Constitution and the Public Finance Management Act.
Suyianka is seeking a court declaration that State House and State Lodges should be used only for official government functions. He also wants an injunction barring political parties from holding meetings there and a full accounting of any public funds used for party activities.
The High Court will now hear the case in full before making a final ruling.
